JUST FRIENDS
by John T. Baker
"Let's just be friends. . ." she softly spoke
And wooed me with her eyes,
But I stood silent, not disposed
To then apologize.

I knew that I had said too much,
My words had been unkind,
I'd criticized her looks and dress,
Her faults I'd underlined.

I've often wished I had the chance
To live that scene once more
So I could whisper those regrets
I should have voiced before.

"Let's just be friends and never fight!"
The tears began to flow .  .  .
For she was eight .  .  .  and I was ten .  .  .
And that was long ago.